Goshawk - 2003-07

During the last breeding atlas, a single pair of goshawks bred in the county. Since then they have colonised, presumably from the increasing core population in our neighbouring counties. By 2007 there were between 12 and 15 pairs and they are likely to continue increasing in both number and range within the county, though perhaps always with a bias towards the better wooded east and north.

They can be very easily overlooked especially after their initial display period in February to April but they tend to be site faithful so the distribution and population estimate can be considered reliable.

Paddy Jenks

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads)

Breeding confirmed = 4

Breeding probable = 11

Breeding possible = 13

Total tetrads in which registered = 28 (5.7%)

Goshawk - 1994

Status unclear

The first record for the Goshawk was a male seen along the Preseli ridge on 12 September 1964 (J.W. Donovan, T.A.W. Davis). It was seen again in 1973 and bred successfully in 1976. Pairs were seen displaying at two sites during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a juvenile at the Gann on 21 August 1981 perhaps indicating successful breeding. One of the adults was known to have been released but the pair disappeared after 1984. A few wandering Goshawks have since been noted at inland and coastal areas, including the island of Skokholm. The Welsh population has been steadily growing for some years and by 1991 is likely to have been in excess of 100 pairs, the nearest in Carmarthensh ire and Ceridigion, so future colonisation of Pembrokeshire is probable.

Donovan J.W. & Rees G.H (1994), Birds of Pembrokeshire

Goshawk - 1980s winter atlas

Goshawks were recorded in only one square during the BTO winter atlas during the winters of 1981-82, 1982-82 and 1983-84.

Graham Rees